Ski Holiday Wish List
We have some new members of the Ski Independence team with us for the 2013/14 season. Whilst they've all done ski seasons and skied extensively, they have been undergoing some extensive training on all of the resorts and properties we feature. It’s great to see that Tracey, Nikki and Nicole are as excited as we are about finding new places to add to their ski holiday wish list. This is where they REALLY want to go next:
Niseko, Japan[/caption]
After working in the Alps for a number of years, I think it’s time to head a little further afield. Banff has something that ticks all my boxes when considering a ski destination. The area is beautiful and is set in a national park in the heart of the Rockies. It has a short transfer from Calgary and prices are generally lower as it is actually low season in the winter. The town has something for everyone, it's lively and has a big après scene. You'll be spoilt for choice with 3 ski areas to choose from – Sunshine, Norquay and Lake Louise. If I was going to this area I would consider a twin-centre in both Banff and Lake Louise. Banff for its buzzing vibe and Lake Louise for its picturesque relaxed setting.
[caption id="attachment_5617" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Downtown Banff in winter[/caption]
Steamboat's Champagne Powder![/caption]
Winter Park would be another I have at the top of my ski holiday wish list. With easy access from Denver it is definitely a place that would enable me to ski in Colorado without the cost of some of the other resorts, and the Vasquez ridge area is crying out for some hiking and amazing alpine bowl action!
Fairmont Chateau, Whistler[/caption]
Morzine - After doing a season in Meribel, the central valley of the Three Valleys, I kinda fell in love with all things French! Skiing in the Alps is an incredible experience and I think my next stop would have to be Morzine and the Portes du Soleil ski area. With easy access from Geneva, Morzine’s central location in a vast ski area makes it the perfect place to base yourself and I love the fact you can just nip over to Switzerland for the day! What’s important to me about a ski holiday in the Alps is that you get that typical French village feel as well as good après, Morzine offers both of these! Where to stay? I’d definitely base myself at Hotel le Petit Dru. It offers great value for money and the ski bus stops right outside so you don’t have to walk far in your boots! Perfect!
Want to know more?
If you’ve been inspired by the girls' suggestions for ski holidays, you’ll be glad to know that we’re already taking bookings for winter 2013/2014. You can request a quote here, or call 0131 243 8097 and one of our reservations team will be happy to help.
Tracey's ski holiday wish list
Japan has been on my ski holiday wish list as a ski destination for a number of years. When I worked for a ski company in New Zealand I met a lot of instructors that talked very highly about Japan and the amazing powder. They also talked about skiing with snorkels because the snow was so deep...I always thought that they were pulling my leg. After doing a bit more research I have discovered that Japan is renowned for its massive snowfall, quality of snow and waist deep powder. Going to Japan would definitely be a once in a lifetime trip for me so I would head to Niseko. The resort sounds amazing with its excellent terrain and plenty of bars and restaurants to chose from after a hard day on the slopes. I would also add on a few days in Tokyo to experience the bustling city and experience the culture. [caption id="attachment_5616" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Niseko, Japan[/caption]
After working in the Alps for a number of years, I think it’s time to head a little further afield. Banff has something that ticks all my boxes when considering a ski destination. The area is beautiful and is set in a national park in the heart of the Rockies. It has a short transfer from Calgary and prices are generally lower as it is actually low season in the winter. The town has something for everyone, it's lively and has a big après scene. You'll be spoilt for choice with 3 ski areas to choose from – Sunshine, Norquay and Lake Louise. If I was going to this area I would consider a twin-centre in both Banff and Lake Louise. Banff for its buzzing vibe and Lake Louise for its picturesque relaxed setting.
[caption id="attachment_5617" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Downtown Banff in winter[/caption]
Nikki's ski holiday wish list
Having done my seasons in Austria and the Portes du Soleil, I have loved training on all the other resorts that we feature at Ski Independence. It has opened up a whole can of worms because there are too many that I want to visit and too little time! If I had to pick one... it would be in Colorado! Steamboat in Colorado really appeals to me because due to it being a bit further out and harder to get to, it has the laid-back feel of a town in semi- wilderness. The town has an authentic mid-west feel from its cowboy heritage, made all the more unique by the hot springs close to the town. This is so different to anywhere I have ever skied, and I would love to get my teeth into some of the Champagne Powder™ on offer here! [caption id="attachment_5623" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Steamboat's Champagne Powder![/caption]
Winter Park would be another I have at the top of my ski holiday wish list. With easy access from Denver it is definitely a place that would enable me to ski in Colorado without the cost of some of the other resorts, and the Vasquez ridge area is crying out for some hiking and amazing alpine bowl action!
Nicole's ski holiday wish list
The problem with learning about all these new places is it makes you want to go to ALL of them! But I have to say my personal top choices would be: Whistler - I’ve always wanted to go to Whistler. The skiing sounds awesome, there is so much terrain to choose from, definitely something for everyone. The village too sounds like great fun - lots of different bars, restaurants and shops to choose from and with Whistler being a year-round resort there are other activities too off the slopes too like Zip Trekking – the perfect combination in my mind! If I was to get the chance to holiday in Whistler I’d probably stay in the Crystal Lodge, just simply because I like being in the centre of everything! As well as being close to the slopes it sits on the Village Stroll so in my mind you get the best of both worlds, skiing on your doorstep and easy access to the nightlife! For a treat though I’d definitely stay in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler – it's everything a luxury ski hotel should be! [caption id="attachment_5630" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Fairmont Chateau, Whistler[/caption]
Morzine - After doing a season in Meribel, the central valley of the Three Valleys, I kinda fell in love with all things French! Skiing in the Alps is an incredible experience and I think my next stop would have to be Morzine and the Portes du Soleil ski area. With easy access from Geneva, Morzine’s central location in a vast ski area makes it the perfect place to base yourself and I love the fact you can just nip over to Switzerland for the day! What’s important to me about a ski holiday in the Alps is that you get that typical French village feel as well as good après, Morzine offers both of these! Where to stay? I’d definitely base myself at Hotel le Petit Dru. It offers great value for money and the ski bus stops right outside so you don’t have to walk far in your boots! Perfect!
Want to know more?
If you’ve been inspired by the girls' suggestions for ski holidays, you’ll be glad to know that we’re already taking bookings for winter 2013/2014. You can request a quote here, or call 0131 243 8097 and one of our reservations team will be happy to help.